Glenview police participate in 'Operation Lifesaver'

May 21, 2013|By Alexandra Gallucci, Special to the Tribune

A Glenview police officer ensures pedestrians cross the train tracks safely at Glenview Metra Station Thursday morning, May 16. Police were present this week to enforce ticketing for those who crossed in defiance of warning signals as part of "Operation Lifesaver." (Alexandra Gallucci, Photo for the Tribune)

At 7:32 a.m., it's warm and sunny as a train roars through downtown Glenview without stopping, a potentially deadly force against anything in its path.

This is exactly the message Glenview police sought to send last week as they distributed flyers to commuters on "Operation Lifesaver," a national non-profit educational organization that, in partnership with the Federal Railraod Association, is attempting to increase pedestrian safety at rail crossings.

Officers also were in enforcement mode, issuing citations for those who violated the warnings. They were stationed during the morning rush hour at various crossings at the Glenview Metra station.

"The objective is to keep commuters safe by educating them about the dangers of crossing while the warning devices are activated," said Sgt. Patrick Schuster, traffic supervisor of the Glenview Police Department.

Operation Lifesaver began in Glenview in May 2005, one year after a Metra train killed 11-year-old Victor Olivera while he was riding his bicycle across the downtown tracks.

The three patrol officers donned neon yellow vests to remind commuters to follow the law, but not all did.. The penalty: a $250 citation for walking around barriers or ignoring signals. This fine applies to pedestrians, cyclists and motorists.

"I stopped a few people who would have violated. Had I not been here, I'm sure they would have," said Officer Dan McCarthy.

Police issued two tickets in two days. One cyclist veered around the lowered gate at Dewes Street and was cited after an officer tracked him down shortly afterward.

Several commuters reported having seen others ignore the warnings to cross the tracks on days when there was no enforcement.

"Too many people go crossing and get hit. People don't pay attention to the warning signals," said resident Janis Nash.

Accountant Naghan Hakwn, a longtime commuter, said she can't agree with such costly fines.

"it doesn't really happen that often," she said, adding she's probably seen a dozen illegal crossings in several years.